Serie A - FiorentinaSeveral footballing figures send off the defender

The Italian footballing community united on Thursday for the funeral of Davide Astori, the Fiorentina captain who died on Sunday from a cardiac arrest.

Thousands of Viola fans turned out in Florence to pay their respects to a man who represented their team for the past three years, as well as Roma, Cagliari and the Italian national side before his sudden passing.

In addition, those present in Florence included football supporters from across the country and beyond with several prominent faces in Calcio taking part in the ceremony at the Basilica of the Holy Cross.

The car carrying Astori's coffin passed through the city centre and the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where so many had placed their shirts, scarves, and other tributes to the club captain in the past week.

Overseen by the Archbishop of Florence, the private funeral was attended by the Italian's family, friends, and teammates past and present, including Spanish midfielder Borja Valero.

Figures from across the wider world of politics, business and sport also turned out for Astori. Representing Juventus were, among others, Gianluigi Buffon and coach Massimiliano Allegri, with former Roma striker Francesco Totti also present.

Born January 7, 1987 in the Bergamo town of San Giovanni Bianco, Astori represented his country 14 times and made over 350 competitive appearances at the top level of Italian football.